CHP: Driver found asleep in Petaluma traffic suspected of DUI

The California Highway Patrol says it arrested 13 motorists on suspicion of driving under the influence in Sonoma County over the pre-Christmas weekend, including a driver who passed out in stalled traffic on Highway 101.

In that incident, police responded to a report of a crash at 5 a.m. Saturday in Petaluma near East Washington Street, where an overturned Jeep Cherokee blocked all southbound lanes and stopped traffic.

After officers removed the disabled Jeep from the roadway, traffic began to flow again, except for one car. Officers approached the car, a Volvo sedan, and found the two male occupants sleeping soundly, Officer Jon Sloat said. They awoke the men by tapping on the windows, and then directed the Volvo to the shoulder, where it narrowly missed hitting the concrete side barrier before stopping.

The driver, Christopher Miranda, 25, of Vallejo, failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He was also arrested for driving with a suspended license; his permit had been suspended in March for a previous DUI arrest, Sloat said.